When you're Downtown, Anthony Candelino’s River City Brewing Company is the place to enjoy a small batch brew and a gorgeous view of the city skyline from the south bank of the St. Johns River.

Brewing since 1993, the restaurant occupies a large piece of impressive real estate that draws a mixed crowd of professionals, lunching ladies, downtownies and night-outers for hand-crafted brew and upscale global cuisine, like house favorite RCBC Jambalaya and goat cheese and golden beet salad, which these days frequently includes local produce.

“We have a new chef who believes in buying local,” said General Manager Bernard Santiago.

With five in-house beers to choose from, like Jags Light and Jackson Pale Ale, as well as a full bar and menu, this spot is casual enough for drinks with the pals after a friendly game of softball but elegant enough for a dinner date with someone special.

As an added bonus, River City has enough space for private functions of 1,200 of your closest friends and frenemies, otherwise known as wedding receptions and office parties, but doesn’t feel overcrowded and contrived. On nice days (basically every day in Northeast Florida), grab a bite and a beer on the deck and watch boats, birds and boxcars traverse the majestic St. Johns.